The Thailand Business Travel Guide has a wide range of traveller tools and resources designed to help business travellers on their trips. The travel guide contains facts on the Thailand, visa information, business customs, culture, useful tips and other resources. An understanding of other cultures, languages, customs and etiquette is of great importance to business travellers and give a real advantage to ensuring a successful business trip.
Thailand Guide
Quick Facts on Thailand
Thailand Travel Advice
Visa Requirements
Business Customs and Etiquette
Travel Advice and Tips
Public Holidays
Thailand Map
Thailand Weather
Currency Converter & Travel Money Exchange
Thailand Hotels & Flights
Travel Insurance
Thailand Travel Videos
Quick Facts on Thailand
Country: Thailand
Capital: Bangkok
Currency: Baht (Bht)
Population: 65 Million
Area total: 517,000 sq km
Languages: Thai
Time Zone: GMT +7
Electricity: 220V 50Hz
Dialling Code: 66
GDP: USD 318bn (2010)
Religion: Buddhist, Muslim
Political System: Constitutional Monarchy
Internet Domain: .th
Thailand Travel Advice
The Foreign and Commonwealth Office offers travellers useful advice when travelling to Thailand. You can find further information on entry requirements for Thailand, advice on local laws and customs, health considerations, useful tips on safety and security and the address and contact details of the British Embassy in Thailand. The information is updated on a regular basis making it a useful point of reference for both business and leisure travellers when looking for the latest travel advice and information on Thailand. For more information please see: Thailand Travel Advice
Visa Requirements
No visa requirement for nationals of the UK, many European countries, Canada, USA and some other countries for short term visits usually for up to 30 days. Visa requirements are subject to change with changes in requirements and rules for further information please see: Thailand Visa Requirements
Business Customs and Etiquette
Business dress is smart and conservative, with dark coloured suits. The initial greetings may be the traditional 'Wei' where both hands are put together in the form of a prayer, the greeting is also a sign of respect. There may be a handshake offered by some business people, it is best to wait for the hosts to initiate this. Business cards are exchanged after the initial introductions, the right hand should be used to offer the business card. When receiving a business card it is considered polite to take an interest and comment on the card and not just put it away. Business is done with people that are respected and where good business relationships have been established, this can take time to build up over several meetings. Good manners and being polite are expected by all. Punctuality is important for meetings and due respect is given to rank, hierarchy and protocol.
Travel Advice and Tips
Most trips to Thailand for both business visitors and tourists go ahead without undue incidents. However you should be aware of pick pockets, bag snatchers especially in crowded areas. Do not show any valuables in public and keep them in a safe place. There have been incidents of assaults in certain areas, it is very important to remain vigilant at all times of your surroundings and environment. There have been incidents of violence in the southern provinces with an on going insurgency and in the border area with Burma, it is advisable to not visit those areas.
Travel Checklist: See our Checklist for Travellers containing useful tips and reminders to ensure you have everything you will need on your trip.
Travel Vaccinations: It is recommended you check with your GP regarding travel vaccinations you need to take, up to eight weeks before you travel. For more information and advice on travel vaccinations please see the NHS Fit for Travel website.
Tipping: Tipping is not always expected especially in hotels and restaurants as they may well add a service charge to your bill, if service charge is not included tips of around 10% are adequate and you may wish to round up taxi fares and leave some tips for porters, maids etc.
Hours of Business:
For Businesses:
08.00 to 17.00 Monday to Friday
For Banks:
08.30 to 16.30 Monday to Friday
NOTE: Lunch time is usually taken at Midday.
Public Holidays
Public Holidays (2012):
January 1: New Year's Day
February 3: Makha Bucha Day
April 6: Chakri Day
April 13: Thai New Year
May 1: Labour Day
May 5: Coronation Day
June 4: Visakha Buchea Day
July 1: Mid Year Day
July 8: Buddhist Lent Day
August 12: The Queen's Birthday
October 23: Chulalongkorn Memorial Day
December 5: The King's Birthday
December 10: Constitution Day
December 31: New Year's Eve
Thailand Map
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Related Resources
Thailand Weather
Disclaimer: The information given in on this website is given in good faith and to the best of our knowledge. If there are any discrepancies in no way do we intend to mislead. Important travel details and arrangements should be confirmed and verified with the relevant authorities.
